NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12
Chapter 12
What is Psychokinesis?
In games or movies featuring various super-powered beings, psychokinetics often receive less than stellar treatment. They are too ordinary to be the protagonists, yet lack the unique abilities to become bosses.
But my opinion is quite the opposite.
Psychokinesis is the essence of useful abilities. I don’t need to walk all the way to fetch water when I want it, and if someone annoys me, I could just snap their neck in a swift 180 degrees. It’s a splendid ability, whether for lethal or non-lethal means.
—Bang!
Even as I watch the tremulous door that looks like it’s about to break, I think, if it wasn’t for psychokinesis, who would be foolish enough to consider breaking the door with sheer force?
While pondering that thought, I glance over at Yu Da On.
Wrapped in a blanket with a serious expression, Yu Da On looks a bit like a plump dumpling.
Soon, she stood before me as if she’d rolled herself up in the blanket.
“Will this work?”
“To be honest, I’m not sure. But we have to try something.”
First and foremost, it’s about fighting, or more accurately, finding a new venue for this one-sided beatdown.
In a narrow line, in a cramped room, there’s little chance of overcoming Jang Chae Yeon.
There might be innocent bystanders staying here too.
Even though I’m technically office staff at the Management Agency, dragging innocent civilians into this isn’t something I’m keen on. Who knows what could happen if we get caught?
This is something we read, heard, and is even in the second chapter of the manual when we started our jobs.
[Manual for Office Staff]
1. The most important thing is to ensure that the work of the Management Agency goes unnoticed. It doesn’t matter if you use a gun or stab someone with a knife. But it must not be recognized as an action of the Management Agency.
2. You are humanity’s last bulwark. It’s a serious matter if this fact comes to the attention of the general public, and if you spill it from your mouth, there will be consequences.
3. As long as you maintain points 1 and 2, you have the duty to protect all of humanity. It’s not about self-sacrifice, but to help humanity as much as you can within your abilities.
4. However, if necessary for the greater good, minor sacrifices may be permissible. Do not waver. What you do is ultimately a step for humanity.
Sometimes there are things that don’t need to be said, but the bottom line is: if possible, don’t do anything to harm people.
“I’m ready.”
Yu Da On appeared with a determined expression in front of the door that looked like it was about to shatter.
Alright then, just to be safe, let me go over it once more.
“Okay. Again, remember—”
“Focus on the eyes to dodge, right? Where the eyes are looking is the point where the ability will be used, and if I dodge once, I’ll have some time before the next attack.”
“Exactly. And—”
“Don’t die. The activation of psychokinesis is quicker than the time it takes me to revive, so if things go wrong, I could remain incapacitated for a long time. Avoid the vital points as much as you can. That’s why you’re looking so foolish. But can’t I just cover my head and chest with a pillow?”
“Do you have tape?”
“Nope.”
All I have is a handgun and the clothes I’ll wear tomorrow, along with some toiletries. And Yu Da On came here empty-handed.
“This feels like it’ll be too slow.”
“That’s why I’ll cover for you. Just hold on until I’m in position. I’ll be using all my tricks.”
“Can’t you just use that one hit that took down the monster back then?”
“I will.”
“Then isn’t that alright?”
I wish that too. But what’s this ominous premonition?
—Thud!
It seems the door can’t take the impact anymore and bursts in half with a loud crash.
Dust swirled around, and I shouted at Yu Da On.
“Let’s go!”
Yu Da On started to run slowly towards Jang Chae Yeon, but wrapped in a blanket, her speed was remarkably sluggish.
“Once won’t work twice.”
From beyond the dust, I heard Jang Chae Yeon’s low voice, and Yu Da On slightly twisted her body.
I heard the sound of the blanket tearing as Yu Da On’s shoulder got twisted.
Seeing that, I also dashed out right after Yu Da On.
From now on, I’ll start timing. How long before I can use my ability again?
One second,
Yu Da On’s arm began to twitch slightly.
Two seconds,
Jang Chae Yeon turned her eyes towards me.
Three seconds,
Yu Da On leaped back into her line of sight.
Four seconds,
Blood sprayed from Yu Da On’s side as she slammed into the wall.
About three seconds have passed.
In that time, I drew my gun and ran backwards, pulling the trigger several times.
—Bang! Bang!
The bullets, seemingly aimed directly at Jang Chae Yeon, merely ricocheted off the wall, making holes.
“Do I look like an amateur who can’t even aim for the bullets?”
Jang Chae Yeon stared at me blankly.
Honestly, I was somewhat hopeful, but she squashed that expectation.
Jang Chae Yeon looked at me again, and while I temporarily froze time, Yu Da On, having mostly healed, reached out to cover Jang Chae Yeon’s face with her hand.
Yu Da On’s hand twisted at a dangerous angle once more.
“Ugh…!”
Yu Da On grunted out in pain.
But in that brief moment, I too finished my preparations.
I gripped the gun tightly.
[Critical: 1->0]
Everything in the world slowed down, and began to turn black and white.
With Yu Da On grimacing in pain, and Jang Chae Yeon slowly turning her gaze towards me.
Her finger began to move in my direction.
Fixing my eyes on Jang Chae Yeon, I noticed her brow glowing red.
Feeling entranced, I pointed the gun towards her and pulled the trigger.
—Bang!
“Gyaah?!”
The bullet was fired, and the slowed world came to an end.
The world regained its colors.
As expected, the bullet didn’t hit Jang Chae Yeon’s hand.
All that could be heard was a ‘ping!’ noise as it hit something and ricocheted, and Jang Chae Yeon crouched down, clutching her forehead.
Is now the time?
Maybe this is my chance to incapacitate Jang Chae Yeon.
I placed my finger on the trigger once more and fired a few shots.
—Bang! Bang!
Please let at least one hit. If that happens—
The bullets stood still.
Literally, the bullets halted right in front of Jang Chae Yeon.
Jang Chae Yeon sat crouched, not moving an inch.
The bullets do not reach her?
For now, let’s escape. And—
“I’ve brought it!”
In a wildly unbalanced atmosphere with her torn pink hoodie and smiling face, Yu Da On rushed over, throwing off her blanket.
Then she handed me something.
An unsolved puzzle cube.
My gaze automatically shifted to it.
[Name: Cube]
[Age: Manufactured in the 1900s]
[Specialty: Reality Alteration]
[Talent: X]
[Background: This cube was made in the 00s, and how it was made remains uncertain. Is it even correct to say it was manufactured in that era? You’re not seriously thinking this was made in the 1900s, are you? This cube can overturn, solidify, and sometimes create what did not exist based on the common sense you believe. Extreme caution is required when handling it.]
[Weakness: This cube cannot be destroyed. When it fits, believe without a shred of doubt in what you desire. Even if doubts arise about your existence, don’t question it. You are precisely who you are.]
“Where did you get this?!”
“It fell when Jae Heon got shot by the gun earlier!”
When I got shot by a bullet?
“…Give it back.”
Before I could think it through, Jang Chae Yeon staggered as she stood up.
“Give it back!”
Jang Chae Yeon’s eyes turned towards us.
I instinctively leaped back while pushing Yu Da On.
Suddenly, a vibration passed between us, and the ground and walls split apart with a loud noise.
“That crazy woman…!”
—Rumble…!
The ground began to crumble with an immense din.
“Ah, dammit!”
I hugged the cube tightly to my chest, curled up, and closed my eyes.
A sensation of floating followed, my body crashing against various things, and waves of agony hit me.
I felt the dull impact of colliding with something and the pain of being pierced by something.
Yet, I pressed on with my eyes shut, and soon enough, my back hit something solid causing the floating sensation to cease.
“…Ugh…”
Struggling, I opened my eyes to examine my surroundings.
The cube was still in my grasp.
And I seemed to be alive, miraculously.
Though my entire body ached.
Ignoring the pain, I forced myself to stand.
“Ugh…”
There wasn’t a single spot on my body that didn’t hurt.
I scanned around.
“…Damn.”
Part of the hotel had collapsed.
And around me were concrete debris, presumably from the hotel.
Specifically, only the spot where Yu Da On and I were had collapsed.
Fortunately, it didn’t seem like anyone got caught up in this.
Taking a look around, it seemed about three floors had fallen. So that’s how I survived.
But where is Yu Da On?
“Da On…”
I spoke loudly, but realizing Jang Chae Yeon could hear, I started whispering as I walked.
“…Da On… are you alright…?”
She should definitely be okay.
I called her name several times, but there was no response from Yu Da On.
Instead, someone else began searching for me.
At the light sound of something landing gracefully, I reflexively turned my head toward it.
Jang Chae Yeon was hovering above the debris, staring down at me.
“…Give it back.”
She said once more, her gaze fixed on the cube I was holding.
“….”
Should I just hand it over and run away?
But if I give it back, is there any guarantee that Jang Chae Yeon wouldn’t kill me?
I locked eyes with Jang Chae Yeon.
“…Give it back.”
Like a broken doll, Jang Chae Yeon murmured her request.
I looked back and forth between the cube and Jang Chae Yeon.
“…Why do you want this?”
In response to my question, Jang Chae Yeon stared at me vacantly. There was no attack like before. It felt like she had turned into a different person altogether.
“It’s essential to me.”
She slowly opened her mouth.
“That thing… completes me.”
I gave the cube another glance.
Not a single side was solved on the cube.
I looked back at Jang Chae Yeon.
[Name: Jang Chae Yeon]
[Age: 25]
[Specialty: Psychokinesis]
[Talent: -]
[Background: For no reason other than possessing abilities, she has dedicated herself to the Management Agency for far too long. Now she departs to seek freedom. To a place where no one can find her.]
[Weakness: But is that really the truth?]
A migraine surged.